Eaton Fire

The Eaton Fire

The Eaton Fire started on the evening of January 7, 2025, in the Eaton Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains. This highly destructive wildfire spread rapidly into foothill communities, particularly Altadena, driven by powerful Santa Ana winds and dry conditions.

By January 25, the fire had burned 14,021 acres and was 95% contained. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it is believed to be related to power lines operated by Southern California Edison.

Impact and Damages

The damages caused by the Eaton Fire were devastating:

• 17 people killed, 24 reported missing
• 9,418 buildings destroyed
• 1,073 buildings damaged
• Water supply contamination in multiple neighborhoods
• Evacuation of critical facilities including Mount Wilson Observatory and NASA JPL
• Estimated property damages between $28 billion and $53.8 billion

Emergency Response

Over 100,000 people were under mandatory evacuations, with close to another 100,000 warned to evacuate. The Pasadena Community Foundation established the Eaton Fire Relief and Recovery Fund, which has raised $15 million as of February 14, 2025.

Recovery efforts include phases of emergency response, stabilization, and long-term rebuilding, with a focus on supporting residents who want to return to Altadena and reestablish their lives.

Gallery: The Aftermath

These images document the destruction caused by the Eaton Fire and the heroic efforts of first responders.